With the approach of Hurricane Irma, we expect a rise in roofing claims due to wind damage from the storms. Unfortunately, we also expect an increase in out of state storm chasers coming into town to sell homeowners on filing claims.

At Home Asset Protection Services, LLC, or HAPS, we have been helping homeowners with roof replacement, roofing claims, and roof repairs for several years. We are local to the Atlanta area, and we focus on the Northeast side of town including the cities of Alpharetta, Buford, Collins Hill, Cumming, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Lawrenceville, Norcross, Peachtree Ridge District, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee.

Filing the claim is the easy part. Understanding the claim paperwork (adjuster summary), missed items in insurance adjuster summary, filing for recoverable depreciation, filing supplemental claims for proper compensation….and most importantly….getting the work done efficiently and properly…are areas where you need help. Call us at 404-933-6610 to discuss your roof issues, and we can repair your roof or help you with the entire claims process from start to finish. If you have leaks, they need to be repaired, and they’re not always storm related. If you experience wind damage, the leaks may not surface immediately, so take a look at your roof after the storm to see if you have any missing or creased shingles. Don’t climb on the roof. It’s not safe unless you’ve got experience and the right equipment to safely navigate the area.

Based on our experience, using a local roofing contractor is paramount following a storm with high winds, hurricanes such as Irma, or hail storms (usually in the spring). Also, using a roofing company who specializes in leak repairs is an integral part of choosing the right roofing contractor. If you use an out of state contractor, who are you going to call if you have a problem? If a company doesn’t specialize in repairs, how do you know they are re-roofing your home properly.

Common issues we see with improperly built roofs include…

Improper flashing at walls and chimneys,

No chimney pan or cricket on back side of chimney.

No flashing replacement due to need to pull back siding to replace.

Re using old turtle vents.

Improper pipe boot installation.

No ice & water shield in areas prone to leaks

Improper roof ventilation.

Not filing permits in cities which require permits.

and the list goes on and on. When a roof is built…it’s supposed to last. It only takes a pinhole to leak.

As for filing claims, insurance companies assessment of damage varies depending on company. Most insurance companies “approve” claims based on a determined amount of damaged shingles on each slope of the house. In other words, if you have wind damaged shingles on the front of your home and none on the back of your home…you will most likely only qualify for a partial roof replacement.

Another factor is the condition of your shingles. If shingles are brittle, it’s impossible to change a shingle without the shingle above it cracking. This is the main reason roof claims are approved for wind damaged shingles. Generally, with a “new” roof (less than 7 years), the shingles will most likely “pass” the brittle test.

Understand, approval of a roof claim is a subjective opinion based on the insurance adjuster/company. Some companies are more generous in their assessment while others are very difficult to deal with. Call us at 404-933-6610 to discuss our opinions.

Finally, understanding supplemental claims and depreciation are a complex part of the process. If you handle the claim and hiring of a contractor on your own, you may get shortchanged…or even taken advantage of. Use a local company with a proven track record of honesty and quality work.

We hope you’ll consider Home Asset Protection Services (HAPS) if you have issues on your roof. We can repair or replace your roof, and we do it right the first time. Call us at 404-933-6610 today if you are having issues with your roof; and if Hurricane Irma hits the Atlanta area, we pray for the safety of all.